DERRY FORWARD DECLAN MULLAN is the answer to a table quiz question that will stump many a GAA fan for years to come. Mullan received the first ever black card in Derry’s 3-11 to 2-10 win over Louth at the Athletic Grounds last night.
Referee Brendan Rice flashed the card at Mullan in the second-half of the Fiaich Cup clash between the Oak Leaf and Wee counties.
Under the new rules, Mullan was forced to leave the pitch for the remainder of the game. Anthony O’Neill was the forward’s replacement and a decent one at that. He scored a goal, to put his side ahead, with his first touch of the game.
Handily, for posterity’s sake, the referee was caught in a perfect pose as he sent Mullan to the sidelines:
Looks more like a black wallet than a card. INPHO/Presseye/Russell Pritchard
Derry were a point to the good at half-time but Louth started the second-half to edge in front. O’Neill’s introduction, and goal, was crucial.
Aaron Kerrigan’s goal in the closing stages decided the tie with O’Neill and Ciaran McFaul adding insurance points.
A really excellent season for the An Post – Sean Kelly team. Does anyone know what team Bagdonas is in negotiations with?